05/14 Butters AMPS 113/+3 77/+5 74/+8 99/PMPS 113

[Butters & Lyla]

Last time

Butters had a seizure two nights ago, making that her third one in five months. So I believe I can now say with certainty that there is an uptick in their frequency. Her BG numbers have been higher since the seizure, as high as 169. I assume the seizure is the culprit, but I'm not sure why this is. She has also barely moved since the seizure. She has only jumped off the couch or my bed to use the LB and that's about it. She had been doing a lot of running around the past couple of weeks, so the sudden lack of movement is not helping her BG numbers, either.

We seem to be on a hamster wheel of pancreatitis flares-seizures-constipation episodes. Every time I think we are on a roll with getting her dose further reduced, one of these comes along to make her feel lousy and impact her numbers. Sigh. It is what it is. I am clinging to the knowledge that she is still enjoying her food and seeking out sunshine to sleep in. That means something.

I noticed that Butters started taking cisapride. Cosmo was given this for megacolon, but we didn’t like it for him. It works on the nervous system to encourage contractions of the digestive system and help BMs move along, but also has lots of side effects. Cosmo was miserable on it, and had some of the side effects, so we stopped giving it. Cosmo had twitches and spasms that we thought were related to the cisapride. And one of his pupils was larger than the other. That was way back in July 2020. He had a lot of problems back then, but we were scared off the med.

Are you looking for a stool softener? Lactulose works. It is insoluble sugar, so shouldn’t affect BG.

Her stool is actually a good consistency. I've been adding a lot of water to her food and a pinch of ground flax. The vet seems to think she might have motility issue and suggested a trial of cisapride to see what happens. I'm not sure it is doing anything. I did a search on the FDMB for it but didn't turn up anything that sounded bad. But I didn't connect Cosmo's issues from back then to possibly being due to cisapride. I've been monitoring her closely and haven't seen her act any different so far.

 

[thebigfuzz]

 

[Pamela & Amethyst]

Healing hugs and prayers I agree with Tanya Cisapride can be very dangerous for some cats My first and only pet before Amethyst and JoJo ,Alcyone was on it and it caused Heart Problems which she passed away from suddenly

 

[Butters & Lyla]

Oh geez. I'm sooooo sorry Pamela.
I had no idea it had so many side effects. Butters already has a heart problem, too. I just didn't find anything about it that sounded terrible when I searched FDMB.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Poor Butters, poor you.

The “higher” numbers are very likely due to stress on the body. Neko’s last heart incident, she went from a green PMPS to the reds two hours later when she was struggling to breathe. I did manage to get in a test after I called the ER to say I was bringing her in. And she got her greens back once she was in oxygen.

 

[Butters & Lyla]

Poor Butters, poor you.

The “higher” numbers are very likely due to stress on the body. Neko’s last heart incident, she went from a green PMPS to the reds two hours later when she was struggling to breathe. I did manage to get in a test after I called the ER to say I was bringing her in. And she got her greens back once she was in oxygen.

That must have been so stressful for you, too

Thank you. This has made me think. Maybe Butters needs more time to sleep off the seizure and recover from it. I'm not sure how long to give her, but I also now have it in my head that the cisapride might be causing stress on her body and elevating her numbers. I'm watching her RR and that has been good at least. If she continues to be blue, my next step will be to stop the cisapride and see if that gets her back to green.

 

[Adrienne & Molly (GA)]

Ground flax is okay to give to cats? I hope Butter's feels better soon!

 

[Wendy&Neko]

I certainly wouldn’t rush to increase. She had some nice greens today.

 

[Pamela & Amethyst]

Oh geez. I'm sooooo sorry Pamela.
I had no idea it had so many side effects. Butters already has a heart problem, too. I just didn't find anything about it that sounded terrible when I searched FDMB.

THank you Lyla Did not mean to freak you out it is just that Cisapride can be nasty to some cats

 

[Our Dolly Girl (GA)]

That must have been so stressful for you, too

Thank you. This has made me think. Maybe Butters needs more time to sleep off the seizure and recover from it. I'm not sure how long to give her, but I also now have it in my head that the cisapride might be causing stress on her body and elevating her numbers. I'm watching her RR and that has been good at least. If she continues to be blue, my next step will be to stop the cisapride and see if that gets her back to green.

Hi Lyla, I hope Butters starts feeling better, I remember her last seizure, not too long ago. I read up on the Cisapride and it looks like it's been totally banned for human use since 2000 in the United States due primarily side affects of heart issues. It mentions it as a "drug of last resort" I hope she starts feeling good soon and I hope your stress level improves as she does. Sending loving, healing prayer to you both.

 

[tiffmaxee]

Just seeing this. Poor Butters and poor you.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

H Lyla , I so sorry Butters had another seizure. It breaks my heart
Perry used to have seizures , I would get so nervous when he had them.
He had them very often, then was put on phenobarbital, and then added keppra
As the months went on I started to lower the dosage on both
He went without having a seizure for almost 2 years before I had to say goodbye because of the kidneys.
Sending hugs and kisses for Butters ♥

 

[Butters & Lyla]

Ground flax is okay to give to cats? I hope Butter's feels better soon!

Yes. It is a very tiny pinch, and her canned food that she used to eat also has it as an ingredient. It seems to not make her bloated the way pumpkin has.
Some sites suggest it is best to simmer it first. If you do that, it becomes mucilaginous (kind of jelly-like).

THank you Lyla Did not mean to freak you out it is just that Cisapride can be nasty to some cats

I read up on the Cisapride and it looks like it's been totally banned for human use since 2000 in the United States due primarily side affects of heart issues. It mentions it as a "drug of last resort"

Thank you both for the information.
My understanding is that just because humans had side effects doesn't mean that it will be the same side effects for animals. I had looked at side effects prior to giving it to her. IDK. I'm not thinking straight these days. Maybe I shouldn't have agreed to try it out so fast. I was hoping for an easy fix, tbh. So far, if anything, she has pooped less since I started her on it. I'm not going to panic (er, freak out) and pull her off of it, since she seems to not be having any observable side effects. But if it doesn't help her with pooping over the weekend or I see any weird behaviour, then I'll stop it immediately. TBH though, I'm sure I'm going to lose sleep over the heart side effects. Sigh.

 

[Tomlin]

Hi Lyla,

Just in case this is of help, as per the recently released ACVIM consensus statement on pancreatitis in cats:

“Compounded cisapride is an effective PO prokinetic in cats and is the treatment of choice for delayed gastric emptying.140, 141”

References from which the group used for this recommendation:

140: Legrange SN, Boothe DM, Herndon S, Willard MD. Pharmacokinetics and suggested oral dosing regimen of cisapride: a study in healthy cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 1997; 33: 517‐ 523.
Crossref CAS PubMed

141: Jean AH, Robert JW. Diagnosis and treatment of gastric motility disorders. Vet Clin N Am Small Anim Pract. 1999; 29: 377‐ 395.
Crossref PubMed Web of Science®Google Scholar

I know that sometimes the dose needs to be lowered if there are side effects

Also, the issues that occurred with humans, from a cardiac perspective, were secondary to the drug being used in combination with other commonly prescribed drugs for that population vs the drug directly causing issue independently.

A vet practice in L.A. has done a nice job of providing some info as well...including Addressing the concerns about the drug being taken off the market & some pictures . Here is the link:

https://www.marvistavet.com/cisapride.pml

**One issue they do mention is that drug can cause muscles twitches & even seizures BUT as a sign of an actual overdose....not as a normal side effect to watch for.

 

[Butters & Lyla]

Also, the issues that occurred with humans, from a cardiac perspective, were secondary to the drug being used in combination with other commonly prescribed drugs for that population vs the drug directly causing issue independently.

A vet practice in L.A. has done a nice job of providing some info as well...including Addressing the concerns about the drug being taken off the market. One issue they do mention is that drug can cause muscles twitches & even seizures BUT as a sign of an actual overdose....not as a side effect.

This helps very much. Thank you. I read the ACVIM paper, but obviously missed that piece of info. It's good to know that it is in there.
What you wrote also reminded me that I read about the cardiac issues being found when an anti-fungal medication (I think) was also being used.
She is on 2.5mg bid.

I really doubt her seizure was unrelated to the medication, but how can I know for sure. I can't. It just seemed exactly like her previous seizures and the same duration. If it's possible that the seizure was due to an overdose, I need to stop the med. Her vet didn't think they were related at all.

 

[Butters & Lyla]

H Lyla , I so sorry Butters had another seizure. It breaks my heart
Perry used to have seizures , I would get so nervous when he had them.
He had them very often, then was put on phenobarbital, and then added keppra
As the months went on I started to lower the dosage on both
He went without having a seizure for almost 2 years before I had to say goodbye because of the kidneys.
Sending hugs and kisses for Butters ♥

I'm so sorry, Diane
The seizures are nerve wracking, as is the aftermath. This one happened at 230am. At least she was sleeping right above my head and so I could quickly grab a pillow and protect her. I don't know how Perry was, but after Butters has a seizure she will stare off into space for a while, then she will start wandering around and meow non-stop. It takes a couple of hours at least before she settles back down. I definitely can't get back to sleep after they happen.

 

[Our Dolly Girl (GA)]

L

Yes. It is a very tiny pinch, and her canned food that she used to eat also has it as an ingredient. It seems to not make her bloated the way pumpkin has.
Some sites suggest it is best to simmer it first. If you do that, it becomes mucilaginous (kind of jelly-like).



Thank you both for the information.
My understanding is that just because humans had side effects doesn't mean that it will be the same side effects for animals. I had looked at side effects prior to giving it to her. IDK. I'm not thinking straight these days. Maybe I shouldn't have agreed to try it out so fast. I was hoping for an easy fix, tbh. So far, if anything, she has pooped less since I started her on it. I'm not going to panic (er, freak out) and pull her off of it, since she seems to not be having any observable side effects. But if it doesn't help her with pooping over the weekend or I see any weird behaviour, then I'll stop it immediately. TBH though, I'm sure I'm going to lose sleep over the heart side effects. Sigh.

 

[Tomlin]

I agree with your vet Lyla—-and only pointed out that info so you made sure to see that it was for overdose vs a side effect. There is a lot of info on that page and easy to see “side effect” and seizure and worry. I agree with your vet Re: the seizure. Unlike some meds used in cats, this one has pharmacokinetic data and many years of use in cats which is nice.

Hey...like the first message didn’t ramble enough .... here is the complete table of all the drugs (including Cisapride) and the dosing. The dosing listed for Cisapride is 0.5 - 1 mg/kg PO q8h.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/act...vim.16053&file=jvim16053-sup-0001-supinfo.pdf

 

[Our Dolly Girl (GA)]

L

I am so sorry Lyla for my post. I didn’t mean to make you question yourself. There is not one drug I’ve given my cats, Dolly in particular, that didn’t list horrible side affects. I gave Dolly Mirtazapine when she wouldn’t eat, her last antibiotic listed neurological disorders. I think in the moment, I thought I was being helpful, I regret saying anything. You weigh the pros and cons and do what you feel will make your kitty feel better often just having to ignore the potential side affects. Every drug has them and usually they sound scary. I am truly sorry.[/QUOTE]

 

[Our Dolly Girl (GA)]

Yes. It is a very tiny pinch, and her canned food that she used to eat also has it as an ingredient. It seems to not make her bloated the way pumpkin has.
Some sites suggest it is best to simmer it first. If you do that, it becomes mucilaginous (kind of jelly-like).



Thank you both for the information.
My understanding is that just because humans had side effects doesn't mean that it will be the same side effects for animals. I had looked at side effects prior to giving it to her. IDK. I'm not thinking straight these days. Maybe I shouldn't have agreed to try it out so fast. I was hoping for an easy fix, tbh. So far, if anything, she has pooped less since I started her on it. I'm not going to panic (er, freak out) and pull her off of it, since she seems to not be having any observable side effects. But if it doesn't help her with pooping over the weekend or I see any weird behaviour, then I'll stop it immediately. TBH though, I'm sure I'm going to lose sleep over the heart side effects. Sigh.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

This helps very much. Thank you. I read the ACVIM paper, but obviously missed that piece of info. It's good to know that it is in there.
What you wrote also reminded me that I read about the cardiac issues being found when an anti-fungal medication (I think) was also being used.
She is on 2.5mg bid.

I really doubt her seizure was unrelated to the medication, but how can I know for sure. I can't. It just seemed exactly like her previous seizures and the same duration. If it's possible that the seizure was due to an overdose, I need to stop the med. Her vet didn't think they were related at all.

Oh gosh, Lyla. It's so hard, isn't it? We try to hard to help our kitties and then we have all this conflicting information that confuses us as to what road we are to take. I had a CKD cat, Tabitha, and she had a seizure that was pretty traumatic for her (blindness, inability to walk, etc.) that she did recover from, but I was told by the ER vet the Zenequin reduces the seizure threshold. She was like... you KNOW that zenequin reduces the seizure threshold don't you? Well, if you look up how many drugs reduce the seizure threshold... you will find a LOT. I had a kitty with recurring infections and had to treat it with something. She got better on Zenequin... then had a seizure. Then found out she had high BP (although we had checked it a lot at the vet - later bought a home unit, but only AFTER the seizure.) Who knows. I blamed myself for being "an idiot" who didn't research that zenequin reduces the seizure threshold.

ANYWAY.... I digress... what I wanted to say (and I hope that I haven't missed you saying this already) is that she's had enough seizures now that some further investigation / possible medication may be warranted. You don't know what damage the repeated seizures may cause.

And ... MOST of all... I am so sorry to read this about Butters. I was so tied up with Darcy and then what's been going on with Ruby today ... and then I sat down to have a glass of wine and see how the other kitties were doing... and then I saw this. You are such a fantastic cat mama that I know you will be doing all the research you can and making the best possible decisions for Butters in consultation with your vet. Hugs to you and Butters.

Oh... and this just popped into my head.... while I am thinking of it, I will ask you this..... Are you a member of the groups.io group for CKD (it is the support group associated with the fabulous CKD site felinecrf.org)? There is a woman on there, from England, named Sarah and she is a truly wonderful person. She is a wealth of knowledge on all things related to cat seizures. Her really unique cat, Teddy (GA) had a severe seizure problem. The poor baby had many serious health problems and Sarah and her husband, who as I recall were totally newbie cat owners, had to learn everything not only about cats but about CKD and seizures and the myriad of other problems that Teddy had. If you're on that group, you probably know who she is. I only mention this because the group is so great at helping with all things CKD but that, specifically, I see Sarah still actively contributing to the group even though Teddy has passed. Her knowledge related to seizures and meds is really excellent. Sorry to go on so long... just trying to help. Love to Butters.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

Okay... here's a weird thought. I have heard of constipation doing really strange and seemingly-unrelated things to cats... what if the constipation is somehow related to the seizures? Just a thought. It's great to opine on these things when one isn't dealing with the actual cat, isn't it?

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

And one other thought. And you know this... we all should KNOW this.... but ALL drugs have side effects... ALL vitamins/supplements (whether "natural" or not) have side effects. Even our food has side effects. Some of the side effects we consider desirable... some not. Some people seem to think that "natural" means no unpleasant side effects... but lily flowers and pollen are very natural... but are dangerous/potentially fatal to a cat. Cyanide is natural... but I don't want to eat it. Soooo... we balance our hoped-for benefits against potential negative side effects. I'm only mentioning this because of the discussion about the Cisapride. You are doing well and, as I said in my previous post, will research and make the best-considered decisions for Butters. And it IS HARD (also said before). Even vets have to walk a tightrope (and they know it) a lot of times in managing our cat's conditions. I have seen this in my own vet. I have seen her stand still and seen the "wheels turning" as she struggles to make the best decision. How much more then do we "lay persons" have to ruminate and struggle through this stuff when it concerns our own MOST BELOVED pets. Sorry... I'm going on too long again. Maybe I should always just send hugs to people instead ??

 

[carfurby (GA)]

I'm so sorry. Sending prayers.

 

[Jia&Sabrina]

I'm sorry to hear that Butters had another seizure... Hope she feels much better today. Sending hugs! <3

 

[Kathy and tiger]

So sorry Lyla.
Are you using a flea treatment on Butters? That is known to cause seizures in cats.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

I'm so sorry, Diane
The seizures are nerve wracking, as is the aftermath. This one happened at 230am. At least she was sleeping right above my head and so I could quickly grab a pillow and protect her. I don't know how Perry was, but after Butters has a seizure she will stare off into space for a while, then she will start wandering around and meow non-stop. It takes a couple of hours at least before she settles back down. I definitely can't get back to sleep after they happen.

That poor baby, I guess every cat has different symptoms
The first time Perry had one I saw him open his mouth and shaking his head and then he ran around like crazy, banging into things, I had to grab him and just hold him down. He also peed on the rug. He would stare into space while having the seizure
Then the next day he was laying on my legs , I was on the couch and he started again with opening his mouth, so I knew another one was about to happen.
They would last about maybe 5 or 6 seconds
And yes while they were going on he wasn't aware of anything, just looked up at the ceiling.
After it was over he would go to his food bowl and eat like crazy
We then started on the phenobarbital , I forgot the dose he was started on, but we had to increase it.
Then my vet said we would add keppra with the phenobarbital and that helped.
Then we had to decrease the phenobarbital because he started to get really out of it.
He would then have a few more occasionally, these were different
He would just go into a daze and would start to drool like crazy, it would just pour out of his mouth.
Finally like I said he didn't have one in over 2 years, and he was on such a low dose of both meds.
Let me tell you I would get weak in my whole body watching it.
He did not suffer any damage from the seizures
Never found out what caused them, my vet said some cats just get them
I guess every cat has different symptoms while they are having seizure.
I'm praying she doesn't have any more ♥

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

I just saw your sweet Butters had another seizure. My prayers for her health and strength for you. So hard to see our kitties suffer.

 

[Butters & Lyla]

I agree with your vet Lyla—-and only pointed out that info so you made sure to see that it was for overdose vs a side effect. There is a lot of info on that page and easy to see “side effect” and seizure and worry. I agree with your vet Re: the seizure. Unlike some meds used in cats, this one has pharmacokinetic data and many years of use in cats which is nice.

Hey...like the first message didn’t ramble enough .... here is the complete table of all the drugs (including Cisapride) and the dosing. The dosing listed for Cisapride is 0.5 - 1 mg/kg PO q8h.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/downloadSupplement?doi=10.1111/jvim.16053&file=jvim16053-sup-0001-supinfo.pdf

Right! I honestly don't know why I was still talking about whether the seizure could have been from the medication when I responded to you and you clearly pointed out the overdose vs. side effect differences. I'm sorry about that.
She is nowhere near being overdosed on it. She is actually on a pretty low dose of 2.5mg PO q12h. Thank you for clarifying and for the link to the chart.

 

[Butters & Lyla]

Are you using a flea treatment on Butters?

Thank you for the thought, Kathy. No I'm not. Butters has been getting seizures for as long as I have had her...six years. The vet thought mild epilepsy. They were so infrequent that they didn't warrant putting her on meds, in the vet's opinion and I agreed. She went a couple of years without having any. They just seem to be getting more frequent now.

ALL drugs have side effects... ALL vitamins/supplements (whether "natural" or not) have side effects. Even our food has side effects.

this is an excellent point.

Are you a member of the groups.io group for CKD (it is the support group associated with the fabulous CKD site felinecrf.org)? There is a woman on there, from England, named Sarah and she is a truly wonderful person. She is a wealth of knowledge on all things related to cat seizures. Her really unique cat, Teddy (GA) had a severe seizure problem. The poor baby had many serious health problems and Sarah and her husband, who as I recall were totally newbie cat owners, had to learn everything not only about cats but about CKD and seizures and the myriad of other problems that Teddy had. If you're on that group, you probably know who she is. I only mention this because the group is so great at helping with all things CKD but that, specifically, I see Sarah still actively contributing to the group even though Teddy has passed. Her knowledge related to seizures and meds is really excellent. Sorry to go on so long... just trying to help. Love to Butters.

Thank you for this and for all of your thoughts, Suzanne. I truly appreciate you taking the time to share them, especially knowing your plate is full dealing with all of Mr. Darcy's health issues (not to mention fostering etc.). Butters hasn't suffered any permanent damage from her seizures, thankfully. They have been too infrequent to warrant any type of medication, according to her various vets. But they have definitely become more frequent as of late (however, still relatively infrequent? IDK), so if this continues then we may try some meds. Maybe I'll join the CKD group. Right now, her CKD is holding pretty steady. I take her for lab work every three months and feed her a lower P diet. I wonder if I can join the group and ask about the seizures, lol. I'll find a way to open with something about CKD.

 

[Butters & Lyla]

That poor baby, I guess every cat has different symptoms
The first time Perry had one I saw him open his mouth and shaking his head and then he ran around like crazy, banging into things, I had to grab him and just hold him down. He also peed on the rug. He would stare into space while having the seizure
Then the next day he was laying on my legs , I was on the couch and he started again with opening his mouth, so I knew another one was about to happen.
They would last about maybe 5 or 6 seconds
And yes while they were going on he wasn't aware of anything, just looked up at the ceiling.
After it was over he would go to his food bowl and eat like crazy
We then started on the phenobarbital , I forgot the dose he was started on, but we had to increase it.
Then my vet said we would add keppra with the phenobarbital and that helped.
Then we had to decrease the phenobarbital because he started to get really out of it.
He would then have a few more occasionally, these were different
He would just go into a daze and would start to drool like crazy, it would just pour out of his mouth.
Finally like I said he didn't have one in over 2 years, and he was on such a low dose of both meds.
Let me tell you I would get weak in my whole body watching it.
He did not suffer any damage from the seizures
Never found out what caused them, my vet said some cats just get them
I guess every cat has different symptoms while they are having seizure.
I'm praying she doesn't have any more ♥

That must have been so scary to watch. Butters twitches and paddles her limbs like mad. Her head shakes too and she drools a tonne. Her seizures last usually around two minutes. Long enough for me to get very worried about whether she will ever come out of it. If I don't protect her, she will twitch and paddle herself into everything and anything. She also eats like crazy when it's over. A lot of energy gets expended when they have a seizure.

 

[Butters & Lyla]

I am so sorry Lyla for my post. I didn’t mean to make you question yourself. There is not one drug I’ve given my cats, Dolly in particular, that didn’t list horrible side affects. I gave Dolly Mirtazapine when she wouldn’t eat, her last antibiotic listed neurological disorders. I think in the moment, I thought I was being helpful, I regret saying anything. You weigh the pros and cons and do what you feel will make your kitty feel better often just having to ignore the potential side affects. Every drug has them and usually they sound scary. I am truly sorry.

Please don't apologize, Adrienne. You did absolutely nothing wrong. I totally recognized that you were being helpful and I appreciate it.

 

[Butters & Lyla]

Thank you all so much, all, for your support for Butters and me. It means so much to us both.

 

[Red & Rover (GA)]

When did you stop the gabapentin? Did Butters have seizures while taking the gabapentin? Gabapentin is one of the drugs used to treat seizures.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

That must have been so scary to watch. Butters twitches and paddles her limbs like mad. Her head shakes too and she drools a tonne. Her seizures last usually around two minutes. Long enough for me to get very worried about whether she will ever come out of it. If I don't protect her, she will twitch and paddle herself into everything and anything. She also eats like crazy when it's over. A lot of energy gets expended when they have a seizure.

My kitty was very limp and unresponsive after he seizure. She could not walk, she did not eat, she was blind. It was the most scary thing ever. I nursed her back to health. Within a week she could see and walk as I recall (although her walking was not great at first -- it took about a month... but she was happy and she could walk as long as I put rugs/runners down for her to get traction... it was her back legs that were the biggest problem.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

When did you stop the gabapentin? Did Butters have seizures while taking the gabapentin? Gabapentin is one of the drugs used to treat seizures.

I was just thinking of that, too. I was pretty sure that gabapentin is one of the drugs that some people give for seizures.

You should check with your vet about Butters and just let them know the frequency of the seizures and see if they want to do anything.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

Oh geez. I'm sooooo sorry Pamela.
I had no idea it had so many side effects. Butters already has a heart problem, too. I just didn't find anything about it that sounded terrible when I searched FDMB.

Have you tried Miralax... very safe for cats, I understand. I think it may be the same thing under a different name in Canada? Or just psyllium husk (metamucil). Starting with a small dose.

 

[Butters & Lyla]

When did you stop the gabapentin?

About a month ago. She was only on gabapentin for about two weeks in April. But also on it in 2020 from mid-October until around early January 2021.

Did Butters have seizures while taking the gabapentin? Gabapentin is one of the drugs used to treat seizures.

She has had three seizures in five months: 12/03, 03/22 and 05/13. She was taking gabapentin when she had the seizure on 12/03 but not when she had the two after that.
She didn't have any seizures for about two years prior and she had never taken gabapentin prior to October 2020.
Prior to that, she used to have a seizure every few months, maybe like every four to six months I think. They were infrequent.

I wonder what it means that she had a seizure while on gabapentin? I'll have to see if I can find something about this, but does anyone know?

 

[Katherine&Ruby]

Lyla, I’ve been so wrapped up in Ruby’s drama that I haven’t had a chance to check in on other kitties so much in the past few days. I’m so sorry to hear that Butters has had more seizures. I can’t help you because I have no experience with seizures but I’m here to drop a few hugs, hopes that it doesn’t happen more and to say “Worried Cat Mamas Unite!”

 

[Butters & Lyla]

Have you tried Miralax... very safe for cats, I understand. I think it may be the same thing under a different name in Canada? Or just psyllium husk (metamucil). Starting with a small dose.

It is called Restoralax here. I've used it before. Psyllium husk makes her tummy bloated.

My kitty was very limp and unresponsive after he seizure. She could not walk, she did not eat, she was blind. It was the most scary thing ever. I nursed her back to health. Within a week she could see and walk as I recall (although her walking was not great at first -- it took about a month... but she was happy and she could walk as long as I put rugs/runners down for her to get traction... it was her back legs that were the biggest problem.

I'm so glad you were able to nurse her back to health but that must have been terrifying. What was causing the seizures? Any idea?

You should check with your vet about Butters and just let them know the frequency of the seizures and see if they want to do anything.

Yes. Her vet knows. He happened to call me later that same day to see how she was doing on the cisapride. Impeccable timing on his part. So I was able to tell him about the seizure and their uptick. I just read back over my thread and it seems I didn't mention that I spoke to the vet.

When I spoke with him, we went over three options:
1) While they are certainly more frequent than they were, they still aren't super frequent. In this case, it would be okay to continue to track and trend.
2) Given she had the occasional seizure when she was younger, a probable dx is mild epilepsy. In this case, put her on meds for epilepsy and see if there are no more seizures.
3) She is older and the seizures are happening more frequently. So option three is a neurology consult. He has a great neurologist he would refer me to if I want to go this route. But, he asked me, "what will you do with this information?" As in, if I get a consult and find out there is a lesion or something wrong with her brain, am I going to do anything different with her treatment? So what is the benefit to having this information?

We talked this through and especially taking into consideration all of her other issues, decided that continuing to track and trend is the best course of action for now. He wasn't particularly anxious to put her on anti-seizure meds. I can change my mind at any point, of course.

 

[Butters & Lyla]

Lyla, I’ve been so wrapped up in Ruby’s drama that I haven’t had a chance to check in on other kitties so much in the past few days. I’m so sorry to hear that Butters has had more seizures. I can’t help you because I have no experience with seizures but I’m here to drop a few hugs, hopes that it doesn’t happen more and to say “Worried Cat Mamas Unite!”

Lol! Solidarity, sistah
And thanks. I have become completely wrapped up in Butters's drama, so I get it.

 

[Tomlin]

I wonder what it means that she had a seizure while on gabapentin? I'll have to see if I can find something about this, but does anyone know?

possible explanation....
I’m attaching a link. The Med chosen is specific to type of seizure. Based on the link & other sources it looks like gabapentin is used primarily for focal
Seizures or seizures with a focal onset whereas phenobarbital is the first choice for other types of seizures.

Link—scroll down to treatments......

https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=11310&id=4516341&print=1

Also, check your inbox for a lengthy article about treatments . Info is from 2018

 

[Butters & Lyla]

possible explanation....
I’m attaching a link. The Med chosen is specific to type of seizure. Based on the link & other sources it looks like gabapentin is used primarily for focal
Seizures or seizures with a focal onset whereas phenobarbital is the first choice for other types of seizures.

Link—scroll down to treatments......

https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=11310&id=4516341&print=1

Also, check your inbox for a lengthy article about treatments . Info is from 2018

Thanks Amy.
I don't recognize Butters's seizures as focal. The ones I have witnessed are definitely the generalized type.
Checking my inbox now.

 

[Kathy and tiger]

Toxicity can come from external sources, like toxic plants or chemicals, but even advanced metabolic disease (like kidney failure or diabetes) can seem like a toxicity to the body because of the imbalance of chemicals and can lead to staggering and seizures...
iheartcats.com

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

That must have been so scary to watch. Butters twitches and paddles her limbs like mad. Her head shakes too and she drools a tonne. Her seizures last usually around two minutes. Long enough for me to get very worried about whether she will ever come out of it. If I don't protect her, she will twitch and paddle herself into everything and anything. She also eats like crazy when it's over. A lot of energy gets expended when they have a seizure.

Poor baby Lyla, I forgot Perry used to paddle the limbs also
Perry was having them so often that's why we had to put him on meds.
Had like 2 a day then one a day, so I took him right in to the vet.
I'm glad Butters doesn't have them that often like Perry did♥
Prayers that they will stop . Besides all they go thru , they also have to get dam seizures!
Big hugs Lyla and kisses for Butters

 

[Our Dolly Girl (GA)]

Please don't apologize, Adrienne. You did absolutely nothing wrong. I totally recognized that you were being helpful and I appreciate it.

Lyla sending prayers and big hugs that you find an answer to the seizures and a course of action. I’m saying “course of action” because my brain refuses to give me the words I really want to say. Is it just me that has holes in their brain where words just disappear? Of course there is nothing wrong with what I did say but still ..... This forum has given me not just the help and support that I am filled with gratitude for but also the multitude of things that can affect our precious cats and how all of you have worked through them. It’s a course in preparedness unfortunately from others experience. I am so sorry for the worry and fear you are going through Lyla but we all have your back.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Lyla, I know this is a really old post but I have been thinking about Butters and you and wondering how you both are doing. I'm sure I'm not the only one. Is everything okay?

 

[Adrienne & Molly (GA)]

Also wondering the same thing, I hope everything is okay

 

[Purrberry]

Oh my goodness....I'm so sorry to hear of everything that has been going on with Butters. What a long a scary night for you. I hope you are BOTH feeling better!

 

[Kathy and tiger]

Been keeping an eye on your SS Butters! You look a little better as far as sugar numbers. Hope that your mouth can feel better and you can eat.
We are all hoping for you to get better and sending love your way.
Hugs to you Lyla

 

[Pamela & Amethyst]

Healing hugs and prayers and waiting for VET update